Our Chapter has been awarded yet another Military Officers Association of America 5-STAR Levels of Excellence Award, the Association’s most prestigious affiliate award, honoring councils and chapters for their efforts across the full scope of MOAA’s mission. Chapters are judged on their efforts regarding: Advocacy, Community Engagement and Outreach, Recruiting and Retention, Leadership Succession, Training, and Council Involvement.
Our Chapter held its 58th Military Ball on 7 March 2026 at the HILTON NAPLES. The theme for this year’s Ball was Celebrating America’s 250th Anniversary. Barron Collier JROTC Cadets provided a Saber Line and Color Guard, toasts were made, a sumptuous dinner was served by the Hilton, and LTC Kerrye Glass, delivered an uplifting speech about how JROTC programs can positively impact the next 250 years of our Nation. Dance music was provided by Uptown Express and a great time was had by all!
One of our MOASWF Chapter members, Dave Hines, cut the ribbon this Veterans Day to officially open the museum that he, volunteers, and supporters have worked tirelessly to develop. Formerly named America’s Military and 1st Responders Museum (located in the Naples Airport Terminal), the Veterans History Museum, which has been forced to relocate twice, has found a home suitable for its outstanding collection of military artifacts and exhibits from the Revolutionary War through the Gulf wars. The Museum is located in the Collier County Government Center at 3331 Tamiami Trail E, Naples.
On 28 May, our MOASWF Legislative Director, CDR Jeff Kuhnreich, provided a legislative update briefing for members of our Chapter and of VFW Post 7721 and American Legion Post 135. Jeff did a great job of summarizing the basics of the federal legislative process, including the difference between “authorizations” and “appropriations”. Jeff talked about how congressional committees function and informed us of the various committees our two Florida Senators (Scott and Moody) serve on. He pointed out some of the key legislative issues before Congress, including the Major Richard Star Act, extension of the PACT Act, military spouse hiring, Tricare pharmacy issues, and assistance for home caregivers. Jeff emphasized the importance of each of us reaching out to our elected officials regarding key issues affecting the military community. And, attendees were informed about the MOAA Legislative Action Center and how to sign up for it on the MOAA website (moaa.org).
MOASWF members support the military community, but not solely as MOASWF members. Along with representatives of the Coast Guard and Marines, MOASWF members Major Jessica Stearns (representing the Air Force), LCDR Gary Asztalos (representing the Navy), and COL Mike Shoen (representing the Army) served as honorary captains at the FC Naples soccer match at the Paradise Sports Complex. The Memorial Day weekend ceremony before the match was in honor of those who died in service of our country. Each honorary captain was presented a poster signed by FC Naples players. Also present for the ceremony was MOASWF member Capt Jack Fulmer who participated as a member of the VFW Post 7721 Color Guard. Those honorary captains brought good luck to the FC Naples squad who went on to win the match, 3-1!
Prior to being recognized at our Chapter’s JROTC Awards Banquet on 9 May, the outstanding rising senior JROTC cadets from all eight Collier County high schools (Naples, Barron Collier, Lely, Golden Gate, Immokalee, Palmetto Ridge, Gulf Coast, Aubrey Rogers) were recognized at individual ceremonies held at each high school. An MOASWF Board member was present at each ceremony to present an MOAA medal and certificate to each outstanding cadet. Pictured is MOASWF President Jeff Cahoon presenting the medal and certificate to Cadet Madeleine Cox from Aubrey Rogers High School.
On 9 May, MOASWF held its 2025 JROTC Awards Banquet. This event honors the outstanding rising senior JROTC Cadet from each of the eight Collier County High Schools. The Banquet was held once again at Glen Eagle Golf and Country Club. Following the cocktail hour and dinner, the Senior Army Instructor from each school called forward the honored cadet and talked about that cadet’s progress, accomplishments, and what he or she meant to their program. The parents, Instructors, and MOASWF members present were highly impressed by the many accomplishments of those honored cadets.
We’ve received notice of our Chapter receiving yet another 5 STAR Levels of Excellence Award from MOAA National for calendar year 2024! This is MOAA’s most prestigious award honoring chapters and councils for their efforts across the full scope of the MOAA mission.
Our Southwest Florida Chapter held its 57th Military Ball on 8 March 2025 at the Hilton Naples. The theme for the Ball was “Honoring Military Wives” which we did by way of a “Cinderella Celebration” for the ladies, complete with tiara’s and handmade gifts (primarily through the creativity and hard work of member Charlene Lonick). Dance music was provided by Uptown Express and we again had outstanding support from Collier County High School JROTC Cadets. A great time was had by all!
Here is a link to the 2025 Military Ball photos:
https://charliemcdphoto.smugmug.com/2025-03-08-CE-Military-Ball
Our Chapter recently received a grant for $3,000 from the Vasari Cares Foundation in Bonita Springs. In cooperation with the Wounded Veterans Relief Fund, this grant will be used to offset the cost of critical dental care for a Southwest Florida military veteran. This is not for routine dental care; rather, this is for critical dental care that, if left untreated, would likely lead to more serious overall health issues. Veterans selected for this program cannot afford dental insurance and are not eligible for VA dental care. Once identified, this will be the third veteran our Chapter has supported in this way.